Mani Monday | Garden Variety

Your nail game just got turned up a notch with this sassy teal color from Essie's Spring 2015 collection. And despite the name, you won't be referred to as anything other than a trendy fashionista!

Now, it is quite bold in color, so if you work in a strict environment (sad face), then this color is best saved for your toes or the weekend.

I'm not quite sure why my difficulty with Essie polishes continues, but once again it wasn't the smoothest process. With 'Garden Variety ' I found it to be extremely thin causing the paint to drip off the brush. Once I got to the second coat (which was barely needed because the color is so rich!), I was able to find a happy medium between a brush stroke that spilled paint and one that prevented a smooth stroke.

In other words, I 'm a pro and made it work. Just look at this color! How could I not?

xo | din

Also check out my product review on Essie's 'Flowerista'.

Mani Monday | Fun In The Sun

Shout out to all the hip chicks out there! There's a new cosmetic line in town and it's clearly just for you!

As part of the CapFABB fam, I had the opportunity to try out this new line and share with you, our fabulous readers. Verdict is: love it!

What I love is that even though the 'Fun In The Sun' Collection includes softer colors, the normal two coat application is all that's needed. Tell me how many other yellow nail lacquers can claim the same?! What's more is that the color and clear top coat dries fast. I didn't even need to apply my rapid dry polish. Now, I can get hip to that!

xo | din

Hip Chicks Spring 2015 Collection available soon!

base coat | 1st Base
green lacquer | Sorbet
yellow lacquer | Rave
top coat | Flossy Glossy

Mani Monday | Julep Treatment

A couple weeks ago I got my nails done for my birthday, and would you believe it lasted for 13 days?! Sadly because of my impatience, instead of having the polish removed properly, I peeled it off, which wrecked my nails. 

Lucky for me, I have a good friend who happens to work for Julep. She gifted me a nail treatment as one of my birthday gifts. Out of excitement to try it and desperation to keep my nails in one piece, I quickly applied the treatment to my haggard nails.

The verdict? So far, so good. My nails have been able to remain strong enough that they haven't broken yet. The added bonus is the sheer pigment it gives, plus just enough coverage to blend nail imperfections.

xo | dré 

Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment 

eShakti + Me in NYC

I wore this look out with dré for our late night toast to 30 at Pegu Club. By now you know we've know each other since we were 5, but did you know that we talk for hours on the phone almost daily? We laugh about it when we realize it, but yah it's true.

So, when we meet it goes a little further than picking right up where we left off, because we just left off of an hour-plus long phone conversation! Nonetheless, hanging out in NYC for three days and two nights was definitely a fun change to carrying my iPhone around. More looks from our adventures coming soon. Stay tuned!

About This Look
code name: drédin partnered with eShakti for a personalized look to share with our readers. My final choice was this full-skirted black dress. It seemed fun and flirty, so why not?! I styled it with a button up, bowler hat, and low heeled pumps, and am happy about the final look.

On the real, the bodice of the dress isn't my favorite design nor fabric. It's a stiff cotton and, unfortunately, the button details on the back are not delicate enough to give a striking appeal. Although it's strapless, it's nice that it comes with attachable straps. One of my straps, however, needs to be sewn tight because the clasp doesn't hold. Truly, the skirt saves this piece!

My experience with eShakti has been varied. First and foremost, I'm excited they asked us to collaborate. The concept of custom orders is fantastic, and I'm glad we had the opportunity to share with you, our readers! Second, the available designs do not capture my style, so it was difficult to find an item. Third, ordering was a little tricky because customer service had a different idea about measuring than most. (For example, a skirt that showed to sit on the hip required my under bust measurement because apparently it fit empire. Hmmm.) Further, my first order arrived in the wrong size. Lastly, customer service was very present during the entire process and made every effort to get it right immediately.

Overall, I think that if you search the site and find items you truly like you should try it out. You could have an easy experience like dré had and be completely in love! What's more is that I have a coupon for you! Just enter the following at check out to get 10% off: "codedredin10". The code is valid from 3/20–4/20. That's a full month of multiple discounted purchases woot woot!

Shout out in the comments below if you have any questions. 

Or need help deciding between this or that (-;

xo | din

shirt | H&M
necklace | H&M
hat | boohoo
bracelet | Alex & Ani 'Fleur d'Lis'
dress | eShakti 'Sydney'
shoes | Stuart Weitzman

[ Product Review: ] Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey & More!

It is not often that I find a major difference in the way my hair looks when I switch my hair products. Often it's whether or not the product can keep my dry, brittle hair moisturized or not. Usually the answer is not.

However, when I started using products by Carol's Daughter (discovered courtesy of Instagram), I was instantly pleased. Created in NY, these products are also affordable and a nice change to my more expensive favorites.

On a recent trip to Targét to restock on Mimosa Milk Honey, I was unsuccessful. Surely like every other curly haired girl I panicked. Finding a product that works is few, expensive, and far between, what was I going to do?! I took a peek at the other available products from Carol's Daughter and made my best guess. Let me tell you, a week later and I still believe I hit the jackpot.

Read further to check out my reviews on products by Carol's Daughter:

1. Mimosa Hair Honey & Sacred Tiare Leave-In Conditioner

The combination of Mimosa Hair Honey and Sacred Tiare Leave-In Conditioner truly transformed my hair. To achieve my curls, I twist my hair each night in bantu knots. Before I do so, I apply the leave in conditioner which acts as the perfect detangler. Then, as I'm sectioning and twisting, I add the hair honey to my scalp and work it through my hair's ends. (If I'm washing my hair, I apply the leave in, then let it air dry for a good 40 minutes before I start adding the hair honey.)

The result is a full curly fro. The thickness of the hair honey (and whatever other science is going on) expands my curls, so they're loose. It's definitely a fun look I've enjoyed!

2. Marguerite's Magic Hairdress & Mirabelle Plum Leave-In

Lately my hair has been drier than normal. The water where I'm at is extremely hard on my hair and I haven't installed my filter showerhead yet. So, I went to Target with a mission to pick up more hair honey. As I mentioned earlier, it was unavailable!

Reluctantly I gave in from sticking to what I knew (and debating if I should visit another Target) and chose the item that read closest to what I needed, Marguerite's Magic Restorative Cream. The Sacred Tiare Leave-In was also missing, so I looked to another option. A biotin leave in for weak and very dry hair called Mirabelle Plum intrigued me, so I went with it.

After a wash, I proceeded to my regular routine. I found the Mirabelle Plum to work just as well as a detangler (a breath less than the Sacred Tiare in my opinion), and the restorative cream to have a strong, distinguishable fragrance. The result? My scalp is no longer dry, my hair is moisturized, and I can honestly say I'm happy with my curls.

Why am I happy? My hair goals are to have longer loose curls. With this combination, they are tighter, but not dry and unruly. I can see the definition as they're not as manipulative as when I use other products. This combination has surely done some magic on my hair! God bless you, Ms. Marguerite!

I definitely recommend all four of these products. They are currenlty 20% off at Target.com, so grab your Redcard and use the code DEAL20 at check out.

Shout out in the comments below! What are your experiences with Carol's Daughter?

xo | din

[ Product Review: ] Kinoki Detox Foot Pads + Groupon

The timing of this post just might be perfect. If you indulged this Thanksgiving Holiday, you may consider doing a detox! The Kinoki Cleansing Detox Foot Pads may be just what you're looking for if you want an easy start. Here's my review of this product plus a Groupon so you can try it for yourself!

Product Arrival: A+ The package arrived in less than 10 days. I found this pretty fast for a Groupon product order. The packaging (box and foot pads) are below. The pads have a faint scent reminiscent of Vick's vapor rub.

Day One Results: Hmm, interesting. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The pads (left foot, right foot) had some residue, though I'm not really sure what exact toxins were being pulled. Whether those are the toxins, or the toxins changed the color of the salt like substance in the pads, this was the result.

Day Two Results: More toxins, more beautiful? After day two I reread the box. This product is supposed to relax muscles, relieve tension, and reduce internal moisture. I couldn't physically tell that I had a more restful sleep, and decided I would see how I would feel on day three to confirm. I did notice that the pads were more damp looking, so maybe that's the "internal moisture" Kinoki was referring to. (The blue is from my thermal socks. You can get similar here.)

Day Three Results: Rough night? More toxins. Well, if the darkened pads are any indication, the product is working. However, I didn't feel a difference in my body.

Day Four Results: Still working, I think. Same results as previous two days.

Day Five Results: That's a wrap! The final day was similar to the previous few days, although it seemed as if a few less toxins were pulled. I think it was an easy five days as the pads were not distracting while I slept.

Overall Rating: Not ecstatic, but not completely ruling it out. I think this needs at least 10 days of use to make a solid claim as to whether or not this product is legit. If the darkened pads mean toxins were released, then that's a good thing! However, I'm not 100% confident that that's what happened. I didn't feel more restful or have more relaxed muscles. As far as the other claims-- shaping and beautifying the body-- let's not get carried away, Kinoki.

Want to give this detox product a try? Here's a coupon for a 10 day trial via Groupon. Give me a shout out on Facebook if you try it out!

xo | din

eShakti - My Custom Item & Coupon Code

In September, eShakti reached out to us for a collaboration. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to be able to sample and review a line of clothing.

My initial feeling of the clothing on the site was "boring". My personal style definitely has more edge and excitement than the majority of the items there were to choose from. However after a bit of perusing, I was able to find a few things that caught my eye. I finally decided this houndstooth coat was what I needed. I have nothing like it, so I knew it would be something fun to add to my wardrobe.

One thing that I love about their site is that each item is made to custom order. So no matter your size, or how short or tall you are, they will make the garment to fit you. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the quality felt.

I sadly haven't been able to wear my coat too much since I've received it, but with the little I have worn it, I've gotten compliments. I'm extremely happy with this piece and would love to work with eShakti again!

xo | dré 

coat | eShakti
faux leather pants | H&M
booties | Shiekh
fingerless mittens | H&M
earrings | Express

Want something custom made for you? eShakti is giving code name: drédin readers 10% off! Use coupon code 'codedredin10' at checkout to get 10% off your eShakti item! The coupon is valid now through 12/15/2014.

Here's more about this awesome deal just for our readers:
 - Coupon has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box. It is not case-sensitive.
- Coupon can be used any number of times until the validity period.
- It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
- This discount code is not applicable on clearance/sale, gift cards & overstock categories. Not applicable on previous purchases.

Foiled

Have you ever set a goal only to watch it foil right before your eyes?

If you're human, it's inevitable. Take for instance my experience yesterday with Sunday football. While I watched the Saints and the Seahawks win, in front of me sat a huge plate of nachos... alas, my Sunday effort toward the 30 Day Challenge foiled! [ And I'm not going to mention the funfetti cookies dré made... ]

My nachos may have slowed me down, but they're not going to keep me down! I've still got my eyes on the prize! Sometimes, all it takes is a little glitter to re-focus...

I chose a silver-foil color that's loaded with glittery goodness to uplift my spirits. And, if you're feeling that the work towards your own goal is frustrating or difficult, you should try it, too! Just grab your fav glitter polish and hit the reset button. Besides, it's Monday, and everything starts over on Monday! (;

nail polish | How's It Snowin'? by OPI

xo | din